BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – The Bayugan City Local Government Unit (LGU), in partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority – Agusan del Sur, has begun preparations for the conduct of the 2027 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) survey following a coordination meeting held on June 16, 2026, at Bayugan City Hall.

Members of the City Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Coordinating Board, composed of representatives from the LGU and PSA, gathered to discuss key preparations, updated methodologies, and training activities necessary for the successful implementation of the nationwide data-gathering initiative.

Representing the PSA during the meeting were Engr. Vic F. Notarion, Mr. Ezra Taft D. Pino, Ms. Irish Mae Abcede, and Mr. Benjielan S. Cabusas. The PSA team provided a refresher on the objectives and significance of the CBMS, presented updates on survey methodologies, and discussed the series of capacity-building activities that will be conducted for personnel involved in the implementation of the survey.

The CBMS is a localized data collection system designed to generate comprehensive and disaggregated information at the household level. The data gathered serves as a vital reference for local government units in identifying community needs, prioritizing development interventions, and ensuring that public resources are allocated efficiently.

Through the system, local officials are able to formulate evidence-based policies and programs that directly address the socioeconomic conditions of their constituents. The initiative also supports efforts to monitor poverty, assess development indicators, and evaluate the effectiveness of government programs and services.

The conduct of the CBMS is mandated under Republic Act No. 11315, or the Community-Based Monitoring System Act, which institutionalizes the adoption of a community-based monitoring system nationwide. It is likewise supported by Republic Act No. 10625, which reorganized the Philippine Statistical System and strengthened the role of official statistics in governance and development planning.

As preparations move forward, Bayugan City remains committed to promoting data-driven governance by ensuring the collection of accurate and reliable information that will guide policy formulation, resource allocation, and the delivery of responsive public services.

City officials emphasized that quality data remains a cornerstone of effective governance, enabling the LGU to craft programs and initiatives that are responsive to the actual needs of communities and contribute to sustainable local development.